@Ashley LehmanBigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking and is full of great content.I recommend that you check out the following resources:1.

 - educate.

Taking that step from theory to practice can feel daunting, but you've already laid a strong foundation by educating yourself.I’ve been working with real estate investors, particularly in the Indianapolis area, helping them find and invest in multi-family properties.

Vast amount of education on different markets and always current with new webinars, great investor coaches (free to you!)

Would like to educate myself in more detail.

A CPA is a special designation that is difficult to obtain.You are not able to claim yourself to be a CPA unless you pass all the qualifications.A few amount of the qualifications include1) College degree with a certain amount of credits within accounting / Tax / Law / assurance2) Completing 4 exams in accounting / tax / law / assurance3) complete continuing education courses4) Work a certain amount of time under a CPAThe reason that the person you spoke with being unable to say he / she is a CPA is likely because he / she didn't pass the above qualificaitons.

I had a good read on transactional funding though, a new education on my belt, I probably will not use it in this lifetime but if it comes to it, then at least i know how it will go down.

it may not be your parent… maybe it is an aunt or an uncle or a grand mother who you can educate about real estate and get them excited too?  

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

Their customer service is second to none and they've got more education and networking opportunities than any other company.